The Delaware Valley has been producing Nittany Lions for years and in 2014, a trio of defensive ends from metro Philadelphia will by vying for playing time on the talented and deep D-Line. Curtis Cothran is anxious for preseason camp to begin in his quest to earn time in the end rotation, where Philly area products Deion Barnes (Northeast) and Carl Nassib (Malvern Prep) will be among the competitors for playing time. A redshirt freshman, Cothran was a PIAA Class AAAA first-team all-state selection at Council Rock North High School. Cothran has excellent physical attributes and has made good progress during his first year in the program. He is among 15 returning Nittany Lions from Eastern Pennsylvania.

2013 - Freshman Season
Redshirt season.

High School
Cothran was a standout defensive end, playing for coach Adam Collachi at Council Rock North High School. During his senior season, he earned PIAA Class AAAA first-team all-state and All-Suburban One League honors after he made 37 tackles (27 solo) with 10 sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss. A team captain, he added 11 quarterback hurries, two pass deflections, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. As a junior, he recorded four sacks, forced two fumbles and blocked a kick. A three-year letterman, Cothran was selected second-team all-league as a junior and third-team as a sophomore. He totaled 18 career sacks. Cothran was selected to play in the Chesapeake Bowl and the East-West game. He was ranked among the nation's top 40 prep defensive ends by Rivals.com (21st), Scout.com (35th) and 247Sports.com (36th). He also lettered in track and field.

Personal
Full name is Curtis Alexander Cothran. He is the son of Gregory and Janice Cothran. He has one brother, Gregory, and one sister, Tamika. Cothran enjoys music. Cothran plans to major in kinesiology and is interested in owning a gym. Born Feb. 24, 1995 in Philadelphia.